Princess Mother passes away at the age of 94
Her Royal Highness Princess Sri Nagarindra, the Princess Mother, much beloved by the Thai people, died peacefully at Siriraj Hospital. She was 94 years old. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Queen Sirikit, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and other members of the royal family were at the hospital when the Princess Mother took her last breath.
The Princess Mother was born a commoner in Thon Buri. After attending nursing school she married Prince Mahidol of Songkhla, son of King Chulalongkorn. The couple had a daughter (Princess Galyani) and two sons (the late King Ananda and King Bhumibol). Almost her entire life was devoted to the poor, sick and disabled living in rural parts of Thailand.
The Princess Mother’s Volunteer Flying Doctors Service sent volunteers to respond to medical emergencies in private aeroplanes and operated mobile clinics. Even at the age of 80, she was walking up and down mountain trails visiting hilltribe people or climbing in and out of helicopters during visits to isolated areas.
Thousands of people filed past the Princess Mother’s casket in the Grand Palace to pay their last respects. Outside, people lined the streets through which the motorcade containing the casket passed.